A pick of 3 economical Speysides

[pete_d]

I need opinions.

I'm looking at getting a whole bunch of Scotches that represent a particular region well, and i've pared it down to what's decently priced and available in Aus. These are:

Aberlour 10yo

Glenlivit 12yo

Glenfiddich 12yo

opinions are needed as to the most consistent and most representative of the archetypal Speyside Malt. I'm strictly limited to this price range, since i'm getting a bunch of other stuff on a shoestring uni student budget.

although any other opinions would be welcome...

PD

[Virus_Of_Life]

I need opinions.

I'm looking at getting a whole bunch of Scotches that represent a particular region well, and i've pared it down to what's decently priced and available in Aus. These are:

Aberlour 10yo

Glenlivit 12yo

Glenfiddich 12yo

opinions are needed as to the most consistent and most representative of the archetypal Speyside Malt. I'm strictly limited to this price range, since i'm getting a bunch of other stuff on a shoestring uni student budget.

although any other opinions would be welcome...

PD

I don't drink much Scotch, ok well none anymore, but when I did it was amost always the Fiddich 15 or the Livet 12. I found those two to be almost equals and very similar, I thought the Fiddich 12 lost something; therefore along the lines of your post seemed to lose some value that the Livet 12 had. Never had the Aberlour...

[TomH]

It's really hard to pick a single malt that represents the diversity of the Speyside.

Of the 3, I'd probably choose the Aberlour 10 (Glevlivet 12 would be my 2nd choice).

I understand about having to live within budget limits (and not knowing availability or pricing in Australia), but Glenfarclas is only $6 more (here in the US) and I really think you get a lot of bang for those additional dollars.

If it is available, the Speyburn is actually a decent drinking value (its about $13 a bottle cheaper than the others here in the US).

[TimmyBoston]

Glenlivet is not the best Scotch out there, but it is always good, I always keep a bottle on hand, so soft and soothing. It's also fantastic for introducing people to Scotch, a wonderful started and it mixes into a great Hot Toddy, especially now that it's getting colder.

[Vange]

I like the Macallans. So, Mac 12 is my vote.

[TNbourbon]

Glen Moray is made by the Glenmorangie folks, and is a pretty typical Speyside -- floral and light.

Also, it's about half the price as the others, though 12 years old.

[chasking]

I'm a fan of Glenfiddich but I think it has a very distinctive flavor; I don't think it is a "typical" Speysider.

Around here Tomatin is easy to find and not at all expensive.

[dougdog]

I voted "OTHER"...The new Lismore "single Malt" that is currently available everywhere is a Glenfarclas 5yo, a wonderful balance of sherry cask without covering up the distillery character kinda malt. Around 20 bucks...

I'm having a hard time with Mac 12 being on the list as an inexpensive pour.

Off topic, the new "blue Label" edition of Finlaggin at trader Joe's is a young Caol Ila, Islay malt. Again a great bargain, fewer than 20 bucks!

Maybe the best bang for the buck that I recently ran across was a cask strength, unchillfiltered 10yo edition of Ardbeg from an independent bottler called Ellenstown, 51 bucks...I dare you to find any edition of Ardbeg with a similar spec for anywhere near that price!

[Hedmans Brorsa]

A very good VFM Speyside available here in Sweden, is the 12yo Strathisla.

This one is on the heavier side of the Speyside spectrum. Extremely malty and quite fruity, to boot.

Whether or not this is available in Oz-land is, of course, beyond my knowledge.

[chasking]

Among independents, Signatory Vintage Highland was for a while at least young Glenrothes whiskey, and pretty good single malt for $20 a bottle. The origins of their whiskey can change (the Signatory Vintage Islay used to be from Lagavulin; now it's from Laphroaig, which is a pretty big difference) but I've never heard that the Highland was from anywhere but Glenrothes.

[AVB]

I know that Balvenie is available in Oz and that would be my pick, the 12 yo Balvenie DoubleWood. Unlike most here I'm a scotch drinker who dabbles in bourbon rather then the other way around.

[CrispyCritter]

My vote went with the Aberlour, but I certainly wouldn't turn down a Glenlivet. I'd put Gienfiddich in third place, though.

The only Glen Garioch I tried was lovely from the nose/palate standpoint, but it gave me a headache every time I drank it.:banghead:

[pete_d]

well, thank you all for your input and suggestions. I've gotten my hands on a Glenlivet 12 and Tamdhu NAS. Both are quite similar in overall styles, but the Glenlivet 12 has a trifle more malt to it, and the Tamdhu has a bit more of a peaty vibe. both are very fresh, but the Tamdhu has a far shorter finish,which loses marks from me

next up is that Aberlour if i ever find one. The Balvenie looks the good from reviews and tasting notes, but is the price of Talisker 10, Ardbeg 10, Highland Park 12 and Bruichladdich 12 around here. and if i had $70AUS to spare, it'd be sunk into those babies...

PD

[Mr. Smith]

I need opinions.

I'm looking at getting a whole bunch of Scotches that represent a particular region well, and i've pared it down to what's decently priced and available in Aus. These are:

Aberlour 10yo

Glenlivit 12yo

Glenfiddich 12yo

opinions are needed as to the most consistent and most representative of the archetypal Speyside Malt. I'm strictly limited to this price range, since i'm getting a bunch of other stuff on a shoestring uni student budget.

although any other opinions would be welcome...

PD

Of the ones you mention here, my first pick would be Aberlour 10. this was just awarded a gold medal by drinks international in their spirits competition. a great whisky with more than a hint of sherry. matured on sherrycasks, finished on bourbon. Excellent!!

But the others you mention here a good whiskies as well.

If you come across a bottle of Strathisla 12 or Longmorn 15, do not pass them by!! Also very good Speysides.

[Dramiel McHinson]

I have all three of the Speysides mentioned (Aberlour, Glenlivit, Glen Fiddich) Each is a good whisky at a good price. The Glen Moray and Glen Morangie are also very good for just a few dollars more in my area. Unfortunately, these whiskies don't get better reviews from people who enjoy a more flavorful or stronger palate from their whisky. If you see a Glen Livet French Oak Reserve in your price range, you'll get more flavor and the price may not be too much more than what you have already selected. All the choices aside, the objective should be to pour off a good dram, relax and contemplate good things.

Slainte!

[boss302]

I need opinions.

I'm looking at getting a whole bunch of Scotches that represent a particular region well, and i've pared it down to what's decently priced and available in Aus. These are:

Aberlour 10yo

Glenlivit 12yo

Glenfiddich 12yo

opinions are needed as to the most consistent and most representative of the archetypal Speyside Malt. I'm strictly limited to this price range, since i'm getting a bunch of other stuff on a shoestring uni student budget.

although any other opinions would be welcome...

PD

I would replace Glenlivet with Balvenie 10-year. It's a little less expensive, and the Glenlivet is almost NEVER on sale, unlike Glenfiddich, which has been discounted every now and then.

The Balvenie is a lot like the Aberlour, with a hearty, malty body and a light-to-moderate peated-ness.

Both the Glenlivet and Glenfiddich 12-years, on the other hand, feel a little "flimsy" in comparison.

[ThomasH]

I have some scotch from each region of Scotland, although my favorites are from the same region and include Edradour, Deanston, Glengoyne, Aberfeldy, Inchmurrin, Dalwhinnie etc. Which ever brand you choose, don't hesitate too long as the prices are going up rapidly. Ardbeg 10 was selling for 38.80 in Ohio during the holidays and went up to 50.00+ on March 1st. A Speysider that has never disappointed me is Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve!

Thomas

[boss302]

A Speysider that has never disappointed me is Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve!

Thomas

Now THAT is a good Glenfiddich! Nice, light sherry note to it.

I haven't yet tried the Ancient Reserve (18-year) yet, though.

BTW, for those unfamiliar with Sherry, a Solera is a large wooden vat used to "marry" the sherry together before bottling.

You can find an explanation of the process HERE!

[mier]

The cheapest one i bought was a Drumguish from the Speyside distillery nice to drink but nothing fancy.Eric.

[Pharaoh]

...other - more to the "Highland" style, though

Glen Garioch 15

Glenfarclas 12

[Keenan]

The Aberlour 10 is excellent, however for just a few dollars more the Aberlour a'bunadh is even better. Cask strength, non-chill filtered with a nose so rich it's like a trail mix.

[Cornman]

If the price is right I think Cragganmore 12 yo is worth going out of your way. I'm not familiar with Aberlour, but Cragganmore roundly beats the other two for me.

And by the way, what should I drink when I come to Sydney next month?

[heatmiser]

One would be hard pressed to find a better Speysider than Glenfiddich 15 Solera Reserve in the low price range. You can usually find it on sale for less than $30 in southern California. IMO, you would have to get up around $45-$50 to do any better...

[mier]

Heatmiser,the Solera is nice but the Caoran gives me more satisfaction,ever tried it?Eric.

[heatmiser]

I have never seen that version of Glenfiddich before. Can you buy it in the states?